Data stream handling

The original X-band data at approximately 8GHz are received and converted by the "downconverters", located within the antenna structure, to an intermediate frequency of 375 MHz.

Intermediate to 'raw' digital data

The intermediate data stream are then converted into two different data streams (comprised of data and clock synchronization) by a "bit-synchronizer" housed within the station building computer facility. The resulting information is stored on special digital recording systems.

Computer-readable data

The digital data stream from a digital recording system is passed through a "frame synchronizer", which prepares the data in "image" form. The data is now fully compatible for conventional computer manipulation. The digital image data are then stored on any type of computer storage medium, such as exabyte tape or compact disk.